The rules state that any radio / antenna combination has to either be a
certified system or that a substitute antenna used would have to meet
the same specs as one used for certification in a system. Many think
that this means "anything goes". The truth is that there are almost
certainly a good bit of installed systems which would not pass FCC
enforcement inspection. Many believe that following maximum EIRP rules
is the only requirement. This is not so. It is a good practice if you
are not following the rules but that does not mean it is legal. Another
common belief is that "anything goes" is the rule of thumb due to the
general lack of enforcement in unlicensed bands. This is unfortunate and
further illustrates the need for our industry to mature.
Part of this maturity process should start by operators demanding to see
FCC certifications for the systems they buy. It is tough for operators
to remain compliant when so few systems are certified. Another step
should be that manufacturers certify their systems with commonly used
antenna / radio configurations every time they release a product.
Finally, distributors need to demand that all systems they sell meet
certification requirements. The fact is that certification is not
terribly costly or complicated and should be a step taken by all
manufacturers and eventually all of us. If anyone here represents
manufacturers who certify all their systems then now would be a good
time to toot your horn.
I believe the day will likely come that the FCC will inspect WISP
systems. It took them about 20 years to start cracking down on the cable
television industry for signal leakage and other infractions. Something
tells me this industry will not have to wait that long. Of course the
decision to follow the rules is inevitably up to each person. I would
like to think we all will be compliant in the future but this is an
unrealistic goal I am sure if manufacturers do not take a leadership
role in this effort. WISPA stops short of demanding that members do
anything but I will say, as President of WISPA, we should all try to
follow the law regarding this industry. No industry association could
expect to have impact in policy and legislative efforts if they took the
stand that shirking the law is a correct course of action.
Scriv
chris cooper wrote:
It sounds like several of you here build your own radios and use off
the shelf antennas. So if I buy a board, cards and an antenna what
are my obligations to FCC as far as having a certified system in
production? Thanks for the education
Chris
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